Meet the Founding Artist Director
Sam Thousand is an award-winning performing artist, curator, and social entrepreneur with 15+ years in live performance, curation, and artist advocacy. A trumpet player since age seven with a Jazz Studies BFA, he is a full-time artist who has toured and recorded with dozens of collaborators. His multidisciplinary practice, bridging performance and civic impact, has earned awards from 3Arts (2019) and the Walder Foundation (2024).
Sam Thousand is the founding Artistic Director of ChiBrations, advancing artist-centered infrastructure through programming, storytelling, and the ChiBrations App. With a heavy focus on social entrepreneurship, he aims to be a part of solution-based movements that build environments for creatives to thrive. Sam Thousand serves as Co-Chair of the Arts Leadership Council at Arts Alliance Illinois and is a ’25–’26 fellow with Chicago United for Equity.
2016-17
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
New Beginnings : 2016-2017
ChiBrations was founded in 2016 when Sam Thousand met with three collaborators during a live and studio recording session and immediately recognized a shared creative synergy. A follow-up meeting sparked the decision to build something intentional, and it was during that conversation that the name ChiBrations was created. The platform began curating artists immediately, with Sam stepping into artist direction and operations. Chibrations curated 8 lives band recording series, partnered with These Days to release video content, featured and amplified each artist monthly through social media. After six months of consistent programming, ChiBrations hosted its first anniversary show in November 2017 at Emporium Arcade Bar in Wicker Park. Featuring returning artists, merchandise, and giveaways, the event established ChiBrations as a staple in the Chicago arts scene and formally launched the events side of the platform.
In the Spotlight: 2018
In 2018, ChiBrations began to transition into performance spaces, continuing its recording series at The Den Theatre. Working within a Black Box theater for the first time allowed for greater flexibility, larger audiences, and experimentation with visuals and artist hospitality. Simultaneously, a strong connection with UNTITLED led to the hosting of an anniversary event, marking the beginning of a key partnership that helped elevate ChiBrations’ visibility and reach.
In Collaboration: 2019
In 2019, ChiBrations continued its recording series at The Den Theatre while building confidence and capacity for larger-scale experiences. The platform officially joined Chi Soul Fest for the first time, curating a three-hour block that functioned as a mini festival featuring artists from its series. The third anniversary showcase returned to UNTITLED, further solidifying the partnership. That fall, Sam Thousand joined Arts Alliance Illinois, deepening ChiBrations’ engagement with arts advocacy and leadership across the state.
In Purpose: 2020
The events of 2020 prompted a period of reflection that clarified ChiBrations’ purpose. The organization recognized the growing need for advocacy, expansion, and sustained community support, as well as the importance of artists having a true creative home. During this time, ChiBrations expanded its vision beyond music to include cross-disciplinary and performance-based art, while continuing to highlight artists through recap footage and documentation.
2021
In 2021, ChiBrations took a strategic step back to ideate and realign, placing a stronger emphasis on arts advocacy and community partnership. Collaborations with four nonprofit organizations on the South Side led to curated and produced events spanning dance, poetry, storytelling, magic, and puppetry. This work reinforced the importance of cross-genre art in shared community spaces and further positioned ChiBrations as a connector across disciplines and neighborhoods.
2022 | Preparation
The year 2022 served as a period of preparation and education, focused on laying the groundwork for the launch of the ChiBrations Portal and App. A transition away from UNTITLED marked a shift toward greater independence, while development continued on Live at Promontory and the organization’s long-term digital strategy.
2023 | Funding & Rebuild
In 2023, ChiBrations was selected as a community partner for the Illinois B2B Arts Recovery Grant, reflecting its strong and trusted network of Black creatives across Chicago. Through outreach, education, video, and promotion, ChiBrations supported artists—many for the first time—in navigating the grant application process. With recording series still paused post-COVID, artist features became the primary platform for visibility. Development of the ChiBrations app began alongside expanded citywide partnerships, increased amplification of open mics and jam sessions, and the launch of the first funding campaign for the ChiBrations Media Platform in August.
2024 | Proof & Platform
In January 2024, ChiBrations launched a beta version of its app, followed by a strategic pivot and full rebuild with a new developer to support a more scalable vision. By November, the platform had reached over 700 artists, amplified 450 events, and engaged communities across 44 Chicago neighborhoods. Chi Soul Fest returned for its third year, the ChiBrations Portal officially launched at Experimental Station, and arts advocacy became more visible through public programming and Elements Jams. With Field Foundation as the primary funder, real-world feedback from both tech and arts spaces helped shape the platform’s next evolution.
2025 | ChiBrations 2.0
In January 2025, ChiBrations launched the ChiBrations 2.0 App alongside monthly Portal events. New initiatives—including artist highlights and art therapy collaborations—expanded access to wellness, performance, and creative development. Live and studio recording sessions returned, six bands were featured, and a summer performance series activated audiences citywide. The platform surpassed 3,000 followers, expanded partnerships across festivals, museums, and statewide advocacy spaces, and concluded the year as South Side Pitch finalists and second-place winners for community and social impact. Celebrating its ninth anniversary, ChiBrations entered its next chapter as a growing, community-centered arts ecosystem rooted in equity and access.